Letters to the editor

Dear Siksha Gurudeva, please kindly accept my most humble obeisances; all glories to Srila Prabhupada; All glories to your good self for your many years of selfless devotion to Prabhupada and Krishna; all glories to all the devotees of Lord Chaitanya. As usual, it is hard for me to find the ideal time and space to write to you. My best moments come during the early morning, when I'm trying to chant my japa. My days are too disturbing and hectic to find the external and internal space to share things.

HpS - Jaya Jaya Prabhupada!

Nice to read from you.

Yes, I also find that I have limited potency to deal with this kind of topic!!! Yet, time, Hare Krsna, does seem to become available, especially as we get a good basis with Japa etc. in the morning.

I feel a closeness to Krishna, knowing that He knows my pains and sorrows; He knows the loneliness that I feel, wanting and needing association of devotees: and feeling all too often that I don't have it. There is comfort in knowing that Krishna knows how I am too envious to make the best use of the association available to me. And yet He still allows me to continue in my devotional service, rather than chase me away only to live in dread. I don't know how to put into words what I am feeling even as I write this letter. But there is some comfort in reaching out to you in this letter, knowing that you are there. I wish I could be there with you. I think of you often, especially recalling your instructions to "chant nice rounds:" an achievement that constantly evades my efforts.

My rounds are done this morning. I try my best to stay attentive to my japa, but my mind is always defiant. What can I expect after countless lifetimes of material conditioning. Still, I am so appreciative of your words to "chanting nice rounds." Mantra meditation sounds cool, fantastic and amazing to the untrained mind. But putting it into practice is a whole other story.

HpS/ASA - What to speak of staring at a candle or the tip of your nose!

I confess that I am embarrassed by my failure to chant nicely. And yet, I have neither the heart nor the gall to quit chanting, as my whole life has been all about chanting the holy names and nothing more.

Sriman Agnideva prabhu came to Boise last month, staying as a guest in my home for the weekend. What a relief it was to have such honorable association. We had a nice home program with a few select devotees that still find favor with me. We also had a nice program at the yoga studio that you spoke at. It was an awesome event, with Mother Krishna Presthaya leading the guided meditation. She was amazing! I watched the audience respond to her as she led them into the mood of chanting OM and Hare Krishna. Agnideva's vocal talent hasn't diminished in the least, in spite of the years gone by. On Sunday he led a nice kirtan gave a lecture at the temple, which I did not attend. I heard through the 'grapevine' that within the administration there was some discontent that he was staying with me, and not at the temple.

My wife and I each have a couple of upcoming surgeries. Now, in my senior years as a devotee, I am learning to live with infamy, learning to be brave in the face of old age, and still having to work for my daily existence. The challenge to keep up the standard and practice devotional service that I have been loyal to all my years has increased. My caliber of determination and faith in Krishna consciousness is really being tested. My only hope is that Krishna will consider that I have tried to surrender my life as His devotee. If you can find favor with me, and bless me with your own causeless mercy, then there's every hope that Krishna will also be merciful to me at my hour of death.

Your lowly servant,

Balabhadra Dasa

HpS - Go see Radha Bankibihari some times. Join some of the programs. Try to resolve any conflicts with local devotees. Badri narayana Swami has certainly expressed that there are problems in the Temple administration. I heard from Srila Prabhupada that there are problems in all of his Temples, that this is the material world.

So, we show that we are disciples of Srila Prabhupada by always working to resolve conflicts within the perspective of NoI, no?

Yet, home programs and programs in appropriate outside places with the above mentioned invitation to ISKCON Temple community are certainly apart of ISKCON.

Hari Bolo!!!!!!!!

Where is Agnideva Das based?

Please send some photos of your altar.

Happy surgery! Preach to the doctors by your words and comportment.

My dear and ever-remembered Hare Krishna Gurumaharaja 🙏🏻

Please accept my sincere obeisances 🙏🏻

All glories to our savior Srila Prabhupada 🙏🏻

Gurumaharaja, your arrival in New Vrajamandala is just a few days away 🥳 I am so excited and grateful!!! 🙏🏻 I feel that your visit is the result of all our efforts 🙏🏻 you are the gift sent by the Christ Child (Gopal) 🙏🏻💖

We are coordinating to make your stay even better than last time. Gurumaharaja, I wanted to ask if you would like to have the same room as last time? You had the bathroom outside and your neighbor was Maharaja Bhakti Gouravani, do you remember? What do you think, Gurumaharaja? Is the same room fine or would you prefer another one? I also wanted to ask about the guest who will be coming with you, Nanda Braj, is his name? I spoke with Prabhu Jambula and a room will be reserved for him as well, but we need to know how long the devotee will be staying. Will he be traveling with you to India? Will you be coming with only one guest?

Once again, I want you to know that I am at your service, Gurumaharaja 🙏🏻, to coordinate and arrange accommodation for the spiritual brothers and sisters or devotees who will be visiting us in New Vrajamandala for the season that your merciful association grants us 🙏🏻. We are coordinating with Mother Karuna (a psychologist and disciple of Maharaja Yadunandana) to explore the possibility of perhaps holding an academic program at the University of Alicante (ISKCON has a preaching center very close to the university). She would come to New Vrajamandala to have an interview with you, perhaps. What do you think?

Gurumaharaja, how else can we assist you? HOLY GOD! Just a few days left until we have your association!! KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA what a total blessing to be able to have your association 🙏🏻 THANK YOU 🙏🏻 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙇🏻‍♀️🙇🏻‍♀️🙇🏻‍♀️

Radha Govinda Chandra awaits you Gurumaharaja 🙏🏻 beautifully decorated

Trying to be helpful, your third-class disciple:

Yasoda Devi Dasi 🙏🏻

Our prayers to Lord Nrisimha are for you 🙏🏻

ASA/HpS - We, AgtSP, only know six people in the whole world more crazy than us, Brown and White, and three of them live at New Vraja Mandala.

Guess the same room is fine.

Worked last time.

Was kind of at the dead end of the great hall of life.

Habitacion for monks and dead end wizards.

Yes, we can meet with the psychologist. We can have a national colloquia when we come back. Jung and the Place of Tobacco in the Illumined Path.

Nanda braja das will continue on to India same time as us.

He likes to work.

Santa Clause and his eight reindeer.

Hari bolo!

Hare Kṛṣṇa Gurudeva,

All Glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda (AGTSP), Please Accept My Humble Obeisances (PAMHO),

This letter is an attempt to express what feels like the Supersoul speaking from outside—through reflections and realizations.

Recently, while browsing YouTube, we came across a channel dedicated to Stoicism—Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and others. It made us realize that the kind of language and tone used by these Stoic teachers resonates with us deeply. This kind of teaching in modern time is given by Stephen Covey (mormon) and Vicktor Frankel (psychiatrist, survivor of Concentration camp)

HpS - "The Art of Love"

... while hearing them, there was hollowness because they never talked about ontological person, and what should be done.

Perhaps this is the kind of guidance we subconsciously wish to hear from our asrama mentors. Then use them to serve spiritual mentors. Interestingly, we find ourselves speaking in a similar tone—maybe 70% of the time—when interacting with some of our students.

HpS - Yes, we have the same reaction! The jnanis like Stoics, Confuscious, Socrates, Shakespeare, have more zeros than the Karmis, so when we put a one in front of their work it is more valuable.

0.00 = 0

000.00 = 0

10.00 < 1000.00 😆

Here’s the video we encountered: 10 Powerful Things to Tell Yourself Every Morning — MORNING SECRET | STOICISM

When we integrate this with the teachings of the Bhagavad-gītā, it seems these Stoic habits help people transition from Tamas to Rajas. And in today’s world, which is saturated with tamas, such guidance feels especially relevant.

Still, we sense that our conviction in serving Kṛṣṇa is not yet fully formed. he exists, but maybe want to have liberation of being like him, (saryuja mukti).

ISKCON has certainly transformed our ontological worldview, but sometimes we wonder if our desire to please Kṛṣṇa resembles that of Hiranyakashipu or Indra—motivated more by ego or fear than by pure devotion. We hesitate to elaborate further on our internal landscape.

You once mentioned that we might be suffering more from karma-vāda than māyā-vāda. That insight continues to echo within us.

Despite reading ISKCON literature and engaging in devotional practices, our external setting often feels alien.

During the times we were practicing Bhakti angas, our bhakti seemed tamasic—perhaps even militant, like a misguided zealot. The goal is clear, but the process remains hazy.

We are seeking the perspective of TB and HpS on this—almost as if they are functioning as external manifestations of the Supersoul.

This letter has been refined with the help of AI, to better articulate our thoughts in English.

wish i could have seen HpS as representative of Krsna instead of just extension of supersoul

a burden on HpS

horse

HpS/ASA - Oink 🐷

We cannot give too much help!

We do not declare to be a very advanced devotee.

All that you are saying seems to be indicative of someone that Socrates, Marcus A., would love to meet.

How do you think they would react to the KRSNA book, 'Wisdom from Ancient India'?

I think your analysis of your position is pretty good.

I think you are on the right path. Go ahead. Your next life as a human being seems to be guaranteed.

Your Karma would seem to be directly a tool that Krsna (Sri Advaita) is using to teach you.

Next life in Nabadvipa?

Family sucked along with you??? 😆

O.K. Enough Blog.

Eyes fried.

Now, Gayatri, VDM and then Gaura arati!

Join us?

WWW. YouTube.Com ISKCON Houston

Hare Krsna, Tom Brown (Swarup Damodar To HpS)..

AGTSP, PAMHO.

Every Sunday there is a class held by HpS. Somehow, we have missed it for many weeks. Still, in the background of our minds, we feel deeply grateful for all that HpS has given us.

We are satisfied and fortunate that he initiated us. Sometimes, simply holding on to chanting and following the four regulative principles feels like a sufficient battle for the day.

HpS reminds us that there are many levels of initiation. Yet, we do not wish to brood over our struggles or speak too much about them. What matters is that we are keeping the promise we made to him. Enthusiastic chanting is not always easy—its definition shifts with our circumstances. At present, we are struggling even for daily food. Still, we are not suffering; only the body and mind may feel the strain.

we had whatsapp chat with him and shared link

-- may be this link can be shared with Prof Ravi M. Gupta.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpTIWeZqObE

HpS - AgtSP!!! Thank you. We looked at this link from our WhatsApp conversation. It seemed pretty good, but didn't seem to some to a useful point for us too fast.

I think that there may not be an appreciation that Srila Prabhupada is using the work Demigod and was broadly acceptable to the intellectual community of Srila Bhakti vinode and Siddhanta, 19th century and early 20th century English.

trying to keep being enthusiastic in chanting

Hayagriva Avatar Das

HpS - Enthusiastic does not always equal material quality, no? Some days mind is a storm and then to keep it only 60% on the chanting is enthusiastic chanting.

Krsna sees how much money you are donating in your hand, but He also sees how much you are keeping in your pocket!

Personal Notes on a, Hopefully, Mature Approach to Bhakti-yoga

What follows is not “absolute truth.”

The Absolute Truth is explained in the Bhagavad-gītā.

These are my impressions — what Kṛṣṇa has allowed me to comprehend through personal experience, reflection, and, to some degree, sincere practice.

1. Foundational Understanding

Skipping the basic teachings of the Bhagavad-gītā leads to superficiality and often results in what is called spiritual bypassing — avoiding genuine inner work and unresolved emotions under the pretext of “spiritual life.”

ASA - Maybe like not making a foundation for a building?

The past, whatever it was, should be accepted. It is not an obstacle but a starting point.

Now, the focus should be deep, careful, slow, and deliberate study:

first the Bhagavad-gītā, then the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, followed by the Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Nectar of Devotion, and other essential works.

ASA - Yet, the Bhaktivedanta Purports include the previous books in the list, no? So if we start with the most advanced, eg. KRSNA book then Srila Prabhupada will teach us BG also, no?

Different people are reading to join at different levels, no?

Eg. Fred can appreciate the KRSNA book but needs the BG instruction included to fill out his fundamentally good BG knowledge from previous lives.

Every person has their psychophysical nature (svabhāva). That nature should not be denied in the practice of bhakti — at least not in the early and middle stages.

Spiritual growth comes through gradual transformation, not through forced suppression of one’s inherent tendencies.

ASA - Yet, we can do some suppression, no? Just say, "No" to chocolate!!!! Some suppression is natural, but cultivating the higher taste as you suggest is real basis.

Bhakti is not lived by negating the world, but by purifying one’s relationship with it.

ASA - 🐷 can we join your school??? Wonderful.

2. Responsibility and Everyday Life

Bhakti-sādhakas should live according to their natural duty (dharma):

• working, earning honestly, and contributing to society,
• not living indulgently, but also not artificially renouncing comfort,
• being educated and financially independent — not dependent on parents, institutions (including ISKCON), or anyone else.

Such a life develops a genuine sense of responsibility.

When such devotees gather, they do not seek titles or recognition. Their association becomes a natural setting for talking and singing about Kṛṣṇa and His energies.

In that atmosphere, there is no need for unnecessary hierarchy.

Respect arises spontaneously — from maturity and mutual appreciation, not from titles or formal power.

In such a community, bhakti becomes a living reality, not an organizational system.

ASA - Srila Prabhupad comments that there is no difference between the grhasta fully engaged in KC and the man in the renounced order of life, but because of more formal austerities the Sannyasi is given more FORMAl respect.

Is the same, no?

The formalities then seem like formalities with pleasant meaning.

3. Arjuna as an Example

Arjuna did not change his occupation or his clothes.

He changed his consciousness, mentality, and intention.

That is the essence of bhakti-yoga: inner transformation within the life one already lives.

Spirituality is not an escape from the world but a change in how we relate to it.

In this way, progress becomes organic, natural, and clear — not forced, but alive.

Material problems will always exist, but with a proper inner attitude they become opportunities for learning and growth.

HpS - Wow! Yes. Super.

4. Tolerance and Boundaries

Titikṣā — forbearance — is a divine quality, but it must be understood correctly.

If someone can humbly tolerate injustice (to oneself), that is noble.

But if someone cannot, that is not a lack of spirituality.

There must be (is) a way to express pain and suffering.

Forbearance must not become an excuse for allowing abuse — whether personal, social, or institutional.

ASA - NoI 3 - Enthusiasm is more important than tolerance. We must be enthusiastic about our tolerance because we see it is getting good results?

Especially within religious organizations, where “tolerance” is too often used as a shield for those in power.

When the idea of “spiritual tolerance” is misunderstood, it may turn into passive acceptance of wrongdoing instead of compassionate correction. Misusing the principle of tolerance and patience to excuse harmful acts creates space where abuse can persist.

True tolerance does not only mean being a doormat; it means staying composed and clear while truth and justice are being expressed.

It is easy to be “tolerant” when everyone pampers and praises us.

But real tolerance is tested only in adversity — and then it requires both strength and wisdom, not mere passivity.

ASA - We pause here. Please give us your thoughts about our comments above and then resubmit 5 and 6 if you think it is right!

Now let us go to another Post??

Thank you! 🐵 🐸 🐦 ...

5. A Practical Path

1. Study the Bhagavad-gītā deeply and patiently — verse by verse, with personal reflection and application.
2. Do not skip the foundations — understand the basics before moving on to deeper texts.
3. Keep personal notes — record questions, insights, and experiences.
4. Observe potential teachers carefully — look at the fruits of their lives, not only their words.
5. Work on the psychological level as well — do not avoid emotions; include conversation, counseling, or therapy if needed.
6. Maintain simple, steady daily habits — hearing, chanting, prayer, and service.

Bhakti then becomes a path of genuine maturation, not a spiritual decoration for the false ego.

6. Final Thought

This path is not easy, but it is real.

Bhakti is not an ideal to imitate — it is an experience to live: consciously, responsibly, and with trust in Kṛṣṇa’s mercy.

When practiced in this way, there is no need for external proof or recognition.

Everything naturally aligns — one’s work, relationships, and inner life.

And through every circumstance, even through hardship, a quiet peace and light begins to shine through:

“Everything is in His hands, and I do my part — with devotion and understanding.”

Hare Krsna Gurudev.

Por favor acepte mis respetuosas reverencias.

Todas las glorias sean para Srila Prabhupada!

Con respecto a su pregunta: ¿Qué está haciendo Jagannatha Das? Mis respetos.

Primero, muchas gracias por siempre preguntar por Jagannatha Caran. Él ha estado trabajando mucho este año. Uno de sus compañeros se fue a trabajar y vivir a Atlanta, y no han contratado a nadie más. Deben cubrir esas horas.

Ha estado junto a sus hermanos espirituales, organizando la visita de SS Bhakti Sundar Goswami a Santiago para enero 2026. Jagannatha compró ayer el ticket.

HpS - ¿Qué opinas de los grupos de WhatsApp? Muchos dicen que son mejores que Twitter.

Personalmente, twitter era entretenido😊

Para mi era fácil traducir y leer. Para mi es difícil el idioma, pero WhatsApp parece más personal, más cercano.

De todas maneras cualquier propuesta significa mucho para nosotros en términos de Su gran bondad por mantenernos en servicio. Muchas gracias Gurudev.

Participamos de mangal arati y clase de Srimad Bhagavatam para la visita de SS Dhanvantari Swami yen el templo, y de un almuerzo junto a más devotos. Maharaja tuvo que partir antes a Brasil por la muerte de Su madre.

Para Govardhana Puja, participamos del festival en casa de Maha Anandini, y preparamos 30 simplemente maravillosas.

Por último quiero contarle que estuvimos ayudando en una actividad del colegio (curso de Indira), donde teníamos que representar a "India". Cocinamos kachoris y chutney de frutilla, laddus y lassi. El prasadam fue muy apreciado por todos. Se hizo una presentación artística, donde ayudé en varias cosas. Quedamos bastantes cansados, pero ya estamos recuperados 😊. Todo esto fue para Tiro-bhava Mahotsava de Srila Prabhupada, así que por la tarde celebramos en casa de Maha Anandini, junto a más devotos, con abhisek, Guru puja, Damodara, lectura y prasadam (no saqué fotos de esta celebración😔)

Adjunto algunas fotos.

Estas son las noticias por ahora.

Su aspirante a sirviente

Priyasakhi Devi Dasi

-0-0-0-

Hare Krishna, Gurudev.

Please accept my respectful obeisances.

All glories be to Srila Prabhupada!

Regarding your question: What is Jagannatha Das doing? My respects.

First, thank you so much for always asking about Jagannatha Caran. He has been working very hard this year. One of his colleagues moved to Atlanta to work and live, and they haven't hired anyone else. They have to cover those hours.

He has been with his spiritual brothers, organizing the visit of His Holiness Bhakti Sundar Goswami to Santiago in January 2026. Jagannatha bought the ticket yesterday.

HpS - What do you think of WhatsApp groups? Many say they are better than Twitter.

Personally, Twitter was entertaining 😊 For me, it was easy to translate and read. The language is difficult for me, but WhatsApp seems more personal, more intimate.

In any case, any suggestion means a great deal to us in terms of His great kindness in keeping us in service. Thank you very much, Gurudev.

We participated in mangal arati and a Srimad Bhagavatam class for His Holiness Dhanvantari Swami's visit to the temple, and had lunch with other devotees. Maharaja had to leave early for Brazil due to the death of his mother.

HpS - Hare Krsna!!

For Govardhana Puja, we participated in the festival at Maha Anandini's house and prepared 30 simply wonderful dishes.

Finally, I want to tell you that we helped with a school activity (Indira's class), where we had to represent "India." We cooked kachoris and strawberry chutney, laddus, and lassi. The prasadam was very much appreciated by everyone. There was an artistic presentation, where I helped with several things. We were quite tired, but we've already recovered 😊. All of this was for Srila Prabhupada's Tiro-bhava Mahotsava, so in the afternoon we celebrated at Maha Anandini's house, along with other devotees, with abhisek, Guru puja, damodara, reading, and prasadam (I didn't take any pictures of this celebration 😔).

I've attached some photos.

That's all the news for now.

Your aspiring servant,

Priyasakhi Devi Dasi

HpS - It's an ocean of news. Think, how many simple devotees like you are me are being used by Srila Prabhupada. Even a smile from a devotee can save so many lives. Gauranga!